"I don't need you to walk me home, beast."
Mouse glared at Nyanko, whom she noticed was following her.
"But it's so dark outside! It's not safe to walk so late," Nyanko justified herself. "I have great night vision if you need help finding your way home-"
"I'm used to walking in the dark. I don't need you."
"But what if those two come back and attack you!?"
Mouse paused for a moment, seeming conflicted. She then sighed with resignation.
"Fine, you can walk me home- but you are not invited inside!"
"Aw… maybe next time."
"No!"
Nyanko chuckled at that. Mouse was already regretting accepting.
"What's the big deal? Your place is a mess?" Nyanko teased.
"It's not!" Mouse quickly replied. "But just so you know, fishes will fly before I ever invite a Mautian into my home."
"Wow, rude. What are you so afraid of? That I might eat you?"
"Would you?"
Nyanko didn't answer right away, simply grinning. Cold sweat dripped from Mouse's forehead.
"... Would you?"
"Of course not! That'd be terrible for my diet."
"Really now!?"
"I'm kidding, relax."
Mouse pouted.
"Idiot…"
She continued to walk, doing her best to ignore Nyanko. The latter followed behind her.
"I'm sorry, okay? Don't get mad…"
"I'm not mad. I'm annoyed by you."
"Sounds like the same thing."
"No, it's not!"
Nyanko sighed, scratching her head.
"Anyway… about Phantom Galactica," Nyanko began, trying to change the subject.
"What about it?"
"Well, what do you think their goal is?"
"How would I know?"
Yep, Mouse was definitely still annoyed at her.
"Because… you do know them. I don't remember these girls, but you do. Maybe you have some idea what they're trying to achieve," Nyanko explained.
"Just because I know them doesn't mean I know what they're up to," Mouse argued. "But… I do get the feeling it isn't just these two."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Phantom Galactica… it's not just these two, I don't think they're the ones behind all of this. Pewter Fox might have been the leader of the Animamates, but she was still a follower, someone who was deeply loyal to Galaxia. She's the type to latch on to powerful people and hope to gain more power by doing so."
"So you don't think she's the mastermind behind all this?"
"That's the feeling I have, yes, I might be wrong though. But despite her cruelty, she was always a boot licker. I can't see her not leeching off someone. She's strong, but not that strong. She needs someone powerful to follow in order to feel powerful herself."
"So you think there's someone powerful pulling the strings behind Phantom Galactica?"
"Most definitely. Possibly someone affiliated with the old Shadow Galactica. I'd even go as far to say there might be old members that are now part of Phantom Galactica."
"Huh!? Who!?"
"Right, you don't remember… let's just say we Animamates weren't the only minions Galaxia had. Shadow Galactica had many more members. And I can't confirm that they all perished."
Nyanko rubbed her chin, thoughtful. So some of them might have survived and are now part of Phantom Galactica. They were truly ghosts from the past- ghosts she couldn't even remember.
"If Galaxia is no more, I can't understand why they are doing this," Nyanko added. "Obviously they're still going after true star seeds, and know where to look for them. But why? What are they trying to accomplish…?"
"What confuses me the most is that it doesn't seem like they are simply looking for Sailor Crystals, but one in particular. I wonder which one and why. And also, for whom…"
"There you are, Nyanko!"
Nyanko felt her heart sink into her chest when she recognized the voice. She might have been looking for this person, but she was still dreading this encounter.
Mouse and Nyanko turned back towards the voice, confirming that it was indeed that person.
"Crow-san…" Nyanko called worriedly.
Crow glared at her with hatred in her eyes.
"I heard you were looking for me. You've got some nerve, Nyanko."
Nyanko felt her heart racing. Now that she was finally face to face with Crow, she didn't know what to say. And it didn't help that she was absolutely terrified of her.
"This isn't the time for your petty vendetta, Crow!" Mouse suddenly let out. "Do you have any idea what's going on? All this mess regarding Shadow Galactica isn't over! It's-"
"... petty vendetta?"
Crow's eyes were now burning with fury.
"You call this a 'petty' vendetta? After what she did to me? After what she did to Seiren!?"
"We all did horrible things when we were under the influence of Galaxia, you included. As far as I'm aware, both you and Seiren are alive now, it's time to let it go and move forward…" Mouse continued.
Nyanko was in awe of how Mouse was capable of confronting Crow like that. Judging by how Mouse's hands were shivering, she was clearly terrified too- yet she was facing her with no hesitation.
Crow on the other hand was not in awe- she was furious.
"Shut up! This has nothing to do with you, Mouse! If you don't step aside, I won't hesitate to give you the same punishment as this traitorous bitch!"
"Mouse…" Nyanko whispered.
But the rodent senshi didn't budge. She pulled out her transformation tool, showing her intent to fight if necessary. Crow did the same, showing no hesitation.
"Chuu Star Power, Make Up!"
"Coronis Star Power, Make Up!"
With some hesitation, Nyanko pulled out her transformation bell.
"Mau Star Power, Make Up!"
In an instant, the three ex-Animamates transformed into their senshi form.
"This is ridiculous Crow. It doesn't have to be this way!" Mouse exclaimed.
As a response, Crow pulled out her whip.
"It does if you keep sticking up for this double-faced cat!"
"I don't like that cat any more than you do, but I know when something is pointless. All of this is a huge waste of time!"
"Shut up! Coronis Tornado!"
Crow launched a strong gust of wind towards Nyanko and Mouse. The two managed to jump out of the trajectory, but before they could land, Crow swung her whip at them.
This time they didn't have the chance to dodge and got hit by the powerful whip swing. Both Nyanko and Mouse were slammed against the ground with strength.
"Ack!"
Crow walked menacingly towards them, stretching her whip.
"S-she's too strong for us," Nyanko said as she weakly stood up. "We need to get out of here-"
"As if I'll run away without a fight!"
Mouse quickly got back on her feet. "Chuu Crunch!"
A sudden crushing blast of energy resembling teeth was launched toward Crow. The latter popped out her wings and flew away to dodge the attack.
"So you really intend to fight me, huh, Mouse. I never expected that from a cowardly rat!"
"Crow-san, tell me what you know about my first death! Tell me what you know about Kerokko!" Nyanko suddenly cried out.
"I can tell you about your future death: right now!"
As she said that, Crow flew right at Nyanko. The latter didn't react quickly enough to dodge. But before she could get hit, Mouse intervened.
"Chuu Bang!"
The blast of energy hit Crow in the back. The Corvus senshi lost her balance mid-air and crashed to the ground.
"That's enough, Crow! We have more pressing matters to deal with!" Mouse said.
"You…"
Crow stood up, glaring at Mouse with murderous intentions. "...damn rat! You asked for it!"
In a quick movement, Crow swung her whip, wrapping it around Mouse's ankle. She then pulled on the whip, making the short senshi trip.
"Eek!"
"Mouse!?" Nyanko exclaimed.
A sinister grin crept on Crow's lips. "Got you!"
Still gripping her whip, Crow pulled on it, dragging Mouse before swinging violently in the air.
"Ahhh!"
Mouse was launched with great strength against a nearby tree, violently colliding with it.
"Ack!"
"Mouse!"
Mouse fell to the ground, her back against the tree. Crow walked toward her, stretching her whip. Mouse lowered her head, losing consciousness due to the impact.
"You should have left when you had the chance, now it's too late," Crow muttered. "Now, what am I gonna do with you…"
"Crow-san, stop!"
Crow stopped for a moment, looking above her shoulder to glare at Nyanko.
"Are you going to actually fight? Now that you can't hide behind Mouse…"
"I already told you, I don't want to fight you…!"
"Right, you'd rather have someone else fight for you while you backstab people."
"I don't…! Well, not anymore… Anyway, leave Mouse alone! She has nothing to do with this…!"
"She got in my way," Crow replied as she turned back. "But she can wait. I'll deal with you first!"
"W-wait, can we at least try to talk it out-"
"I have enough of your excuses! Coronis Tornado!"
Nyanko immediately jumped out of the way to dodge the wind attack. Crow anticipated it and was already running toward Nyanko.
"You won't get away this time!"
"Eek…!"
Crow seized Nyanko by the neck, lifting her in the air.
"You have no idea how long I was hoping I could just break your neck like a twig and snuff the life out of you!"
Nyanko could feel Crow's grip on her throat getting tighter, making it harder to breathe. Nyanko gripped Crow's arm, desperately trying to make her let go, in vain.
"P-please, s-stop…!"
Crow smirked. "You're just making this feel even better."
She then glanced at Mouse.
"And after I'm done with you, the rat is next!"
"N-no… please don't…! Don't hurt her…!" Nyanko pleaded.
"Hm?"
Crow cocked her head, surprised by those words.
"Do you care about her?"
Nyanko didn't answer, too desperate for air to speak. A cruel grin appeared on Crow's face.
"Then how about you watch her die?"
As she said that, Crow released her grip on Nyanko's throat, letting her fall to the ground. As soon as Crow began to walk toward Mouse, Nyanko crawled and grabbed her leg, attempting to stop her.
"Don't do that, please! Mouse has nothing to do with any of this! If you want revenge, go after me, and me only…!" Nyanko begged.
"Let go of me, you trash!"
Crow kicked her down repetitively, trying to make her let go of her leg. But Nyanko was stubborn and despite the assault, refused to let go.
"I won't… let you… hurt Mouse…!"
"You annoying pest!"
With a well-placed kick under the chin, Crow managed to send Nyanko flying away.
"Argh…!"
Nyanko landed on the ground, a few steps away from Crow.
"So persistent! Since when do you care so much about someone other than yourself!?" Crow let out angrily.
Nyanko coughed up some blood, droplets dripping on her white outfit and staining it. It was at this moment that a bell rang in Crow's mind, like she had just noticed something for the first time.
"... Since when is your uniform white?"
Nyanko wiped the blood coming from her mouth, staining her white glove with red.
"Are you really… Nyanko?"
"... Yes. But I'm not the same Nyanko you've known! That person no longer exists… I was corrupted by the bracelets to the point of not being myself anymore…"
Crow looked even more pissed. "So that's your excuse!? You were 'corrupted' therefore you are blameless for what you did!?"
"O-of course not! I wouldn't have been corrupted in the first place if I didn't… failed. It's my fault I became this way. But trust me when I say I truly regret what I have done to you and Seiren…!"
"Urgh, I don't care! Shut up! You still deserve to pay for what you've done, whether you're sorry or not!"
"I know."
Nyanko suddenly cancelled her transformation, reverting to her normal self. "But she doesn't."
Nyanko pointed at the unconscious Mouse. "If you want revenge, I'm right here. I'm not going to fight you, Crow. Do what you want to me, but leave Mouse out of this! She didn't do anything to you or Seiren!"
Crow glared at her. "Transform back, Nyanko."
"No."
Crow clenched her fist. "Transform back and fight, you coward!"
She stepped toward Nyanko and slapped her across the face.
"I said fight back!"
"Ugh…! A slap instead of a punch, huh. Are you holding back now?"
"Shut up!" Crow said as she kneed her in the stomach.
"Argh!"
Nyanko bent over from the impact and pain before collapsing at Crow's feet.
"Gosh, you're so annoying…!"
"P-please, don't…"
Nyanko was weakly pleading, her voice cracking. Crow grinned.
"That's more like it."
"... don't… hurt Mouse!"
"... Eh?"
Nyanko got on her hands and knees. "I'm truly sorry for what I did to you and Seiren. I don't expect you to forgive me and I'm ready to accept whatever punishment you see fit for me. But please, spare Mouse! She didn't wrong you…!"
Crow glared at Nyanko from above, so many conflicting emotions going through her mind. Normally she would be delighted to see someone she hated so much in this position, begging and whimpering at her feet. But not like this.
"... This isn't fun if you aren't trying to fight back- or even begging for mercy."
"I'm sorry…!"
Crow sighed, running a hand through her hair.
"You really aren't the same Nyanko I used to know, huh…"
Nyanko dared look up. She could tell Crow was feeling conflicted. The cat senshi was starting to have some hope that she could perhaps get through Crow and reason with her.
… alas, she might have hoped too soon.
"But even so, I can't forgive you."
Nyanko didn't even have the time to say anything. The last thing she saw was Crow's boot being brought down on her head.
"Well, well, aren't you a pretty little thing."
Seiren looked at the woman who sat right next to her on the couch, a little too close to her.
"Hm? I'm pretty sure I am taller than you," Seiren replied innocently.
"That's not- anyway. I don't think we were properly introduced yet. In this form, I'm called Handa Mitsune, but you can refer to me as Fox in private. I'm a friend of Papillon-san."
As she said that, the woman gave her a charming smile.
"Oh, nice to meet you then, Fox-san. I am Seiren," she politely bowed. "Normally I would offer you my business card but I unfortunately don't carry any at the moment…"
"It's alright, I do," Fox replied, handing her business card. "Exchanging business cards is a must."
"Oh, absolutely."
Seiren politely took the card. Fox got even closer to her, putting her arm in the dossier behind Seiren.
"So, what do you intend to do next?" Fox asked nonchalantly.
"Hm? What do you mean?"
"You don't need to play dumb with me. I've heard all about you, Seiren-san. And I must say, I'm quite impressed by your exploits. I would be happy to have someone of your caliber join us."
Seiren looked down, thoughtful. "I don't know if I want to get involved in this."
"Why not? From what I heard, you were quite the ruthless one- a true force of nature. Why not put your strength to good use? Especially if you are a friend of Papillon-san."
"Papillon-san is my friend, correct. That's why she told me she'd never force me to join her cause," Seiren said back.
"Right… but as her friend, you should want to help her."
"Hmmm… I don't know. I joined Shadow Galactica because of Crow-san, I don't know if I want to if she isn't there too."
"Crow-san, huh…"
Fox's arm was now on Seiren's shoulders. Seiren winced a little bit at the sudden contact but didn't attempt to push Fox away. She was too surprised and confused to properly react.
"You really do care about that woman huh. She sure is lucky to have you."
"I'm lucky to have her too," Seiren replied, looking down. "Well, was…"
A wolfish grin stretched on Fox's face.
"Oh? Paste tense?"
"Yeah… after what I did to her, I wouldn't blame her if she didn't want to be with me anymore…"
"Well, in that case…"
Fox suddenly rose up. She put her hands on the couch's dossier, on each side of Seiren, staring at her.
"How about you get a new partner? I wouldn't mind getting a new one."
"... Eh?"
"It doesn't have to be permanent. If anything, that might be a good way to make Crow jealous. "
"Why would I want to make Crow-san jealous?"
Seiren genuinely had no idea. Fox sighed.
"You aren't the brightest one, huh," Fox smirked. "That's fine though. I can work with that."
As she said that she delicately grabbed Seiren's chin, bringing their faces closer.
"And I'd love to piss off Crow. She would hate seeing this," Fox added.
As soon as she said that, Seiren slapped her hand away.
"If whatever you are attempting to do is to cause distress to Crow-san, then I am not interested."
Seiren wasn't quite sure what was going on, but there was one thing she was certain of. She wouldn't contribute to something that was meant to hurt Crow.
Fox looked surprised by her reaction for a moment before grinning.
"Who said you'd have to be interested? I didn't ask for your opinion," Fox said with malicious intent.
"...eh?"
"Wow, it's really you! The Sailor Aluminum Seiren!"
As Fox's hand was about to reach for Seiren's collar, they were suddenly interrupted. Seiren seemed unaware of Fox's intentions and focused her attention on the new person in the room.
"You are…?"
Seiren had met her before once. She remembered she was at the charity party organized by Shigekane Hirari. The one she dubbed "kid with sweaty hands".
"We met before, didn't we? At the party…"
"Yep! That was me! I'm so flattered that you'd remember someone like me," the young girl said as she sat next to her. "I'm Kerokko, by the way! But on Earth, I'm called Handa Kaeru. Call me whatever you want, onee-san."
Fox glared at her. Kerokko seemed unaware of what she had interrupted, probably too young and innocent to even understand.
"I still can't believe we have the Aluminum Seiren here! Oh, or should I say Sailor Mermaid? What do you prefer?"
"I… just Seiren I guess? I'm not Sailor Aluminum Seiren anymore, and as for Sailor Mermaid… let's just say I never was a proper senshi for Mermaid. They never acknowledged me as such anyway…"
"Seiren onee-san then! I heard so much about you! You're a big inspiration for me!" Kerokko continued.
"...Thanks? I don't think I have ever done anything worthy of admiration, but thanks anyway for your kind words."
Fox growled in annoyance.
"What are you doing, acting like such a fangirl? Don't tell me you want her to replace me as your partner," Fox said.
"W-what? O-of course not!" Kerokko quickly dismissed.
"But Fox-san, didn't you just ask me to be your-" Seiren began.
"...Anyway, you interrupted me- us. You're such an annoyance, you know that?"
Kerokko looked down. Seiren wasn't sure she understood why Fox was acting so politely toward her yet so dismissive toward her own partner, but she didn't like it.
"She's not annoying me," Seiren replied. "You should be nicer to your partner, Fox-san."
"Yeah Fox, you should be nicer to me!" Kerokko said.
"You little-"
Kerokko didn't seem to notice that. "Anyway, I hope there's no bad blood between us anymore, Seiren onee-san."
"... bad blood…?"
"Well you know, about drugging you at the party. It was nothing personal-"
"Kerokko shut up! Don't tell her that!" Fox suddenly interrupted.
"Huh…? Wait, she didn't know!? … Oops, my bad. Forget I said anything."
"Eh?"
Seiren had a vague idea of what she was referring to. She remembered getting highly intoxicated at said party, so much so that she had to leave early. This ended up making her look suspicious in the eyes of the Sailor Senshi. All this time she thought she had simply drank too much, but turned out she had been drugged? Why? How…?
She had a bad feeling about this. It felt uncomfortable to even think about it. So she chose to ignore that feeling, push it far away in her mind and pretend she didn't hear anything. Just like she did with everything that made her feel uneasy. She'd rather leave unpleasant things in the past and not think too deeply about it.
Seiren smiled politely. "It's alright. There's no hard feelings."
Kerokko sighed with relief.
They then heard someone clear their throat behind them.
"So, I see you've met our guest," Papillon suddenly said.
Fox flinched when she heard her voice. Kerokko quickly turned back, evidently not sharing her partner's fear.
"Papi-chan!"
Papillon waved at them.
"Would you mind letting Seiren-san and I discuss matters for a moment?" Papillon asked.
"O-of course…!" Fox politely bowed before leaving the room, followed by Kerokko.
"Seeya later, onee-san!" Kerokko waved as she left.
Once the two were gone, Papillon closed the door and took Fox's place beside Seiren on the couch.
"Sorry if these two bothered you."
"Oh no, they didn't," Seiren replied.
"They just tend to get too excited. But they aren't a threat- at least to you."
Seiren nodded. She wasn't particularly worried, but she appreciated Papillon's concern nonetheless.
"Do you… still want me to join your group?" Seiren asked.
"Well, to be perfectly honest with you, I could use your help," Papillon replied. "But it's your choice. I already told you I won't force you to do anything you do not want to."
Papillon then gently took Seiren's hand into hers.
"If I may ask-, and, I'm not lying when I said I won't force you to join-, is there a reason why you are hesitating? Is there something you want? I wouldn't ask you to help me if I wouldn't be ready to help you out in return."
Seiren looked down, hesitant to speak.
"It's Crow-san, isn't it?"
Seiren raised her head when she heard that name.
"You're worried about her, aren't you?"
"Y-yes… what I did to her was… undoubtedly wrong. I don't know what I should do- will she ever forgive me…?"
"Of course she will. I'm sure she doesn't even hold anything against you," Papillon said with a comforting smile.
"I don't know… how can I be sure? The last thing I would want is for Crow-san to hate me…"
"You did what you did to protect her. If she cares about you, she'd understand. Your intentions were always pure."
"But… how can I make her understand…?"
"There might be a way."
Seiren looked at Papillon, daring to feel hopeful.
"How…?"
"Crow-san has to join me. Join us."
It took a moment for Seiren to process that answer. "... Huh? I'm… not quite sure I understand, Papillon-san."
Papillon sighed.
"I told you I can assure your protection, that my allies aren't a threat to you- but I can't promise the same for Crow-san."
Seiren immediately grew tense. "What!?"
"It's not like I'd ask them to hurt her, don't get me wrong. I would never use her as leverage like that, but… given Crow-san seems to be working with those Sailor Senshi, I can't promise she won't get caught in the crossfire."
Papillon was now holding Seiren's hand in both of hers, looking her directly in the eyes.
"That's why the only way to make sure Crow-san is safe is if she joins us," Papillon ended. "And if she does, you will be reunited. You won't have to worry about her anymore."
"But… how can I convince her…?"
"Oh, I'm sure you can persuade her to do what is best for her."
When she understood what Papillon was implying, Seiren shook her head.
"N-no…! Hypnotising Crow-san is how I got into this situation in the first place…! I can't do this again… not to her…"
"What's so wrong about this? You said it yourself. You can't hypnotize someone into doing something they are against. If Crow-san does what you ask her, then it means that deep down, she does agree."
Papillon leaned in closer to Seiren, still not letting go of her hand.
"It's for her own good, Seiren-san. If she genuinely doesn't want to, the hypnotism won't work anyway. So what's the harm in trying? Especially if it's to assure her safety."
Seiren lowered her head, trying to think about it. But she wasn't good at thinking things through. She didn't like to overthink stuff. She'd rather have someone else do the thinking for her- it felt safer. If Crow wasn't there anymore to tell her what to do, then she'd do as Papillon asked instead.
Seiren looked up at Papillon and nodded. "Okay. I'll do it."